The Hindu Business Line : Opportunities aplenty in fresh fruit exports

FRESH fruit exports from India, currently at an ebb, have a potential for growth if qualitative farm processes are put in place, according to Mr Kairas Vakharia, Chairman, CII - Agriculture and Rural Economy Sub Committee.

"With norms governing fruit exports becoming stringent changes at the farm level are imperative," Mr Vakharia said. In Europe, the retail chains are imposing strict regulations on export of farm produce.

Among fresh fruit, India's strength lies in grapes, pomegranates and mangoes. In 2003, the country exported fruits worth Rs 191 crore.

According to Mr Vakharia, West Asia accounts for a major chunk of Indian fresh fruit exports; except in the case of grapes. Of the Rs 130 crore exported in 2003, the UK and Europe accounted for 80 per cent of exports, while of Rs 36 crore of pomegranates exports, 75 per cent went to West Asia and 11 per cent to Europe.

The grape growing and exporting segment of the industry has become conscious of these qualitative changes primarily because it has been exporting to Europe. Although yield per hectare for grapes that are heading for the export market is half that of those sold in the domestic market they fetch prices three times higher than local prices.

The European importing industry is also insisting on EUREP GAP certification to ensure veracity, transparency and harmonisation of global agricultural standards. Currently, grapes from India are already certified under this while the process for mango pomegranate, banana and pineapple is underway.

CII is organising a two-day conference, Ag-India 2004 to address issues specific to fresh produce and specifically fruits.

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